See How the Magic's Made at Societi's Chef's Table

Societi Bistro brings the kitchen to you!

Ever wanted to know how magicians conjure their tricks? Or how chefs create their culinary masterpieces? Well, you can forget about the magicians, but at Societi Bistro, head chef Stefan Marais opens his kitchen and shows you how he and his team “magically” prepare some of the best food in Cape Town.

Societi recently established a “chef’s table”, that wonderful institution from the world of fine dining that allows patrons to speak with the chef as they enjoy their meals. At Societi, diners who desire this get to sit at a private table next to the kitchen where they can watch all the action and enjoy a lively conversation with chief diviner Marais.

At Societi’s chef’s table, you’re allowed to indulge in a specially designed menu, with items not normally served. Indeed, in the week before the meal, you get to meet with the chef to plan your menu down to the last detail. You get to choose how many courses you want – three upwards – and how much you’d like to spend per guest (R200 upwards). You can shape the meal according to your dietary requirements and get expert advice from Marais and his team about which wines complement each course.

The creative process

But the fun at Societi is that you have to get creative with your menu. Chef Stefan prides himself on using local, seasonal ingredients wherever possible. So as you plan your menu, you get to face the same choices Marais faces: what will be the most exciting dishes that the season inspires? How can I combine the freshest foods into the most delicious meal? A wonderful challenge – and you’re the beneficiary!

The chef’s table can accommodate 8–12 diners. It can handle any type of occasion as well, from birthdays and anniversaries to corporate gatherings and even intimate weddings. Societi can even manage more distinct desires like setting up special décor and printing bespoke menus, promising you an exclusive experience.

Kitchen Un-Confidential

If you’re really ambitious you can sign up for Societi’s Kitchen Un-Confidential program that allows you have an even more hands-on approach to your party. You can spend three or five days working in the kitchen, learning Societi’s inner secrets, then devising and preparing your own personal menu, thus literally hosting your own chef’s table.

Meet your guests in The Snug for Canapés and a pre-dinner drink while you explain to them what you have personally prepared for them. How cool is that?!

But that’s Societi Bistro – they add a unique surprising twist to everything they do. The result is always a delight. That’s why they’ve already made a significant impact on the Cape Town culinary scene with their focus on local, seasonal dishes.

But their down-to-earth approach, along with their cosy, intimate setting, provides an inimitable dining experience. Couple this with the fact that they have a chauffeur service to pick you up from anywhere in the City Bowl for lunch and you’ve got a restaurant that delivers service, passion and a great eating experience every time.

Societi Bistro is located at 50 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town. For more information contact Societi Bistro on: 021 424 2100 or visit www.societi.co.za.

Read more about Societi Bistro in our article on Societi Bistro’s Kitchen Un-Confidential Culinary Boot Camp.

We’ve got the lowdown on Cape Town restaurants to keep your taste buds watering.

For updates on places to eat and things to do in and around Cape Town, be sure to subscribe to our free monthly and very stirring Editor’s Picks Newsletter and follow us via @CapeTownMag on Twitter.